Abstract
Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a severe pathology that greatly affects the quality of life, and increases morbidity and mortality of patients owing to the augmentation of cardiovascular events. Treatment of GHD is challenging, mainly because there is no specific characteristic sign or symptom that can be used to make a clear diagnosis. There is need for an unequivocal diagnosis of GHD to avoid unnecessary treatment with GH, because the available provocative tests (GH stimulation tests) are not specific and sensitive enough, and are contraindicated in some patients. Ghrelin is an endogenous peptide that stimulates GH secretion by interacting with a G-protein-coupled receptor named ghrelin receptor (GH secretagogue receptor 1a, GHS-R1a). Given this, a GH stimulation test using ghrelin or its analogues appears to be attractive. In this paper, a modified tripeptide first named JMV-1843 in the laboratory is briefly presented. It is potent and selective in stimulating the release of GH and is orally active. It has been recently commercialised for the diagnosis of adult GH deficiency under the tradename Macrilen. The test using this compound appears to be reliable, well tolerated, and simple.